In this article we discuss which NFL jerseys are stitched. There are 5 main types of NFL jerseys, 2 of which are stitched. Quickly, here’s what you need to know:
- Nike Elite — *Stitched* These are the authentic NFL jerseys, and they are stitched. This is the closest you can get as a fan to wearing what the players wear on the field. The fit will be slimmer than other jerseys, mimicking the athletic fit of the players’ jerseys. The Elite jerseys have all the premium finishes, including stitched graphics and authentic paneling. Click here to view the Nike Elite jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link take you to NFLShop.com).
- Nike Limited — *Stitched* The Nike Limited Vapor jerseys are my favorite jersey. They also have stitched graphics. Although these are not true authentic jerseys, they still have some of the premium finishes, like stitched graphics, and are more affordable than the Elite jerseys. The Limited jerseys are the most affordable stitched NFL jersey you can buy. True to size. Click here to view the Nike Limited jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link take you to NFLShop.com).
- Nike Legend — *Not Stitched* The Nike Legend is unique compared to other NFL jerseys. It fits almost like a standard t-shirt, and is more affordable than other jerseys. I was a bit shocked how much I liked the fit. True to size. Lightweight, and easy to wear. This jersey is not stitched. Click here to view the Nike Legend jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link take you to NFLShop.com).
- Nike Game — *Not Stitched* The Nike Game jerseys are popular fan jerseys due to price point. They have the true look of a jersey, but are replicas, which means they are a bit more affordable than premium jerseys. Relaxed fit, but true to size. These jerseys are a good option if you are looking for a Nike jersey on a tight budget. This jersey is not stitched. Click here to view the Nike Game jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link take you to NFLShop.com).
- NFL Pro Line Jersey — *Not Stitched* The NFL Pro Line Jersey is not made by Nike. It is a more affordable replica jersey, which might be a nice option if you are on a tight budget. This jersey has a baggy, loose fit, and you may need to size it down. This jersey is not stitched. Click here to view Pro Line jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link take you to NFLShop.com).
- Mitchell & Ness Authentic Jersey — *Stitched* These Mitchell & Ness NFL jerseys are the throwback jerseys. The sizing and design may vary slightly depending on the era of the jersey, but I have found these Mitchell & Ness Authentic jerseys to have a looser fit. They use numerical sizing. Click here to view the Mitchell & Ness Authentic Throwback jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link take you to NFLShop.com).
Again, the two types of NFL jerseys that have stitched graphics are the Nike Elite jerseys (which are the authentic jerseys), and the Nike Limited jerseys. All other types of NFL jerseys will not have embroidered names, numbers, and graphics.
In this article let’s take a closer look at the two types of stitched NFL jerseys, using photos from the jerseys that I own.
Stitched NFL jerseys
The two types of stitched NFL jerseys are the Nike Elite jerseys and the Nike Limited jerseys. The Nike Elite jerseys are the authentic jerseys, which means they are the closest you can get as a fan to wearing what the players wear on the field.
- This is the current price of the Nike Elite jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
The Nike Limited jerseys, although not authentic, have some premium design features, like stitched graphics. Think of the Nike Limited jerseys as a hybrid jersey between the replica jerseys and the authentic jerseys. The Limited jerseys are a middle ground, that gives you some premium features, at a price point lower than the Nike Elite jerseys.
- This is the current price of the Nike Limited jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
Nike Elite Jerseys
The Nike Elite jersey is made with the exact specifications of what the players wear on the field. This gives you an opportunity to own a true authentic piece of NFL fan apparel.
The Nike Elite jerseys are offered in two versions (regular and vapor). Both have stitched graphics. Most NFL teams offer one or the other to fans, but not always both. Here’s where you can check to see what version your team offers at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
What’s the difference?
First of all, both versions are authentic jerseys and have embroidered graphics. But there are significant differences in design and fit. To read specifically about fit, visit our article on Nike Elite Jersey Sizing.
The standard Nike Elite jerseys have a more traditional construction. The jerseys have paneling on both the front and back of the jersey, and the sleeves push down the arm. Here is a picture of a traditional Nike Elite jersey:
The Nike Elite Vapor Untouchables are a re-design of the original Nike Elite jerseys. One major design change (with input from the players) is Nike designed the Vapor jerseys so that all the seams converge in the middle of the back. This reduced the amount of grab points on the players’ jerseys.
From a fan perspective, what is nice about the Vapor version is it lays flatter against the body. That is probably the biggest drawback to the original Elite jerseys is the paneling (which is authentic) causes the jersey to not lay flat against the skin in all areas. Here is a look at the Nike Elite Vapor Untouchable:
Again, one main takeaway here is the Vapor versions have the seams converge in the middle of the back. Here is a look at a Vapor version of a Mahomes jersey, and as you can see, the seams all come together behind the numbers on the back of the jersey (allowing the rest of the jersey to lay flat):
Another obvious design difference when considering Elite vs Elite Vapor is the sleeves. The Nike Elite Vapor Untouchable sleeves are fitted, and the traditional Nike Elite jerseys have standard sleeves. Here is a look at the Elite Vapor sitting on top of the Elite (same sizing):
As you can see, not only are the sleeves fitted on the vapor version, but the overall fit is slimmer. To read more about how NFL jerseys fit, visit our NFL Jersey Sizing Guide.
Again, not all teams will offer both Elite versions to fans. Click here to see what version is offered by your favorite team at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). To read more about how the Nike Elite compares to the Vapor, visit our article Nike Elite vs Vapor.
Nike Limited Jerseys
The Nike Limited jerseys are not authentic jerseys, but they do have stitched graphics. As I said earlier in the article, think of the Limited jerseys as a sort of hybrid between the more affordable replica jerseys, and the more expensive authentic jerseys.
The Limited jerseys give you some premium design finishes (like embroidered graphics), but overall cost less than the Nike Elite jerseys. This is the current price of the Nike Limited jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
The Limited jerseys, just like the Elite jerseys, have both a traditional version and a Vapor version. The Nike Limited Vapor Untouchable jerseys are my favorite type of NFL fan jersey. Click here to view the Limited Vapor jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
What is cool about the Nike Limited jerseys is they do have embroidered graphics, so although they aren’t true authentic jerseys, they do have a premium appearance due to the stitched-on graphics. Here is a look at my Patrick Mahomes Nike Limited Vapor Untouchable jersey:
One thing I really like about the Nike Limited Vapor jerseys is the sleeves are, in my opinion, a perfect length and fit. They aren’t too short and awkward, but they also aren’t too loose and sloppy. They fit nicely and are my choice for best sleeves out of all the NFL jersey types. This jersey fits true to size.
Again, not all teams will offer both Limited versions to fans. Click here to see what version is offered by your favorite team at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). To read more about how the Limited jersey compares to the Elite jersey, visit our article Nike Limited vs Elite.
Where to Buy NFL Jerseys
Click here to shop for NFL jerseys at NFLShop.com, which is the official online shop of the NFL (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). You can buy from them with confidence knowing you aren’t getting scammed.
Some other big box retail stores will carry NFL jerseys, but they often have a limited selection in comparison to NFLShop.com. You also have the option to shop in-stadium if going to a game. If you are unsure which jersey is best for you, visit our article about What NFL Jersey Should You Buy?